Rocket hits south Israel

A Qassam rocket fired from the northern Gaza Strip exploded Saturday evening south of Ashkelon.

The Color Red anti-rocket alert system was activated at several southern communities.

The rocket landed in an open area in the Ashkelon Beach regional council; no injuries or damages were reported in the attack.

The last rocket that hit Israeli territory was fired from the Gaza Strip more than a month ago.

The chairman of a nearby kibbutz told Ynet: "Despite the relative quiet, unfortunately we're used to it (rocket attacks). When we heard the Color Red alert, my daughters and I ran to the secure room and so did all other kibbutz residents."

'Rocket fire will continue'

Only last week, security guards at the same kibbutz were deployed over fears of Palestinian infiltration into the community. The concerns turned out to be a false alarm only after a long while.

Meanwhile, the head of the Ashkelon Beach regional council, Yair Farjun, said that despite the relative quiet, local officials were holding drills continuously.

"I believe that as long as we don't have an agreement with the Palestinians, the rocket fire will continue," he said.

On Monday, the first hearing will be held on a petition filed by the Ashkelon city hall and parents of students in respect to the fortification of schools in the city. At this time, the State refuses to fund the fortification project.

The petitioners claim that the deputy defense minister promised to finance the venture, but that later Defense Minister Ehud Barak went back on the promise.

For the time being, the Ashkelon student council launched a protest and is fundraising at city malls in order to secure the money needed to purchase mobile fortifications.